HDR Photo Pro

Since December 2010, I have been using HDR Photo Pro by Everimaging for most of my HDR processing.  There are a couple of features of the software that I really like.

1)  In "Open Folder" you get thumbnails of all RAW and JPG images along the left side of the screen.
2)  It is very easy to create realistic photos, enhancing the photo but not giving the typical "over the top" HDR look.
3)  No separate RAW converter.  I shoot RAW and JPG at the same time with my Canon Rebel T1i.  All of the thumbnails display in the folder
4)  I can save in a variety formats and resolutions.

The problem has been that the support of the software has been lacking.

In the Spring of 2011, I purchased a Canon S95 "Point & Shoot" camera that handles bracketed exposures and records in RAW & JPG at the same time.   The HDR Photo Pro RAW converter in the software did not convert images from the S95.  I was able to get an "updated" version of the software that processes photos from the S95. So far, so good.

Later in the year, I started having problems with the software.  The "updated" software for the S95 is giving a version number of 1.1.0.  Eventually, I got errors loading the software with both Windows 7 on my laptop and Vista on my desktop (both 64 bit operating systems).  I had to remove the software, including the registry keys, and re-install the software.

At this time, I can use the software, but still get errors.  I can "continue" to process the photos.  Everimaging says they cannot duplicate my problem, even though I had sent error logs and screen dumps.

Now, it seems that Everimaging is giving up, or in the throws of collapsing.  Their software prices have been discounted.  The "Community" (forum) link on the web site does not work.  Any try to access the forum takes you to the "contact us" page.  (From the browser history on my computer, I was able to find the forum - there have been others asking if the company was still in business.)

As with most HDR photographers, I have a second piece of software i use for HDR processing.  My back-up is Photomatix Essentials (previously Photomatix Light).  I like it for the "over-the-top" processing and artistic treatment.

I do not like to have to use software that is out of date and buggy.  Looking for another primary HDR processing software to replace HDR Photo Pro - after all, the next camera I purchase will make the software obsolete.

Those of you looking at HDR processing software, I recommend you pass on HDR Photo Pro and HDR Darkroom by Everimaging.com.